Widely recognized as one of the most creative and influential musicians of the 20th century, Jimi Hendrix pioneered the explosive possibilities of the electric guitar. Hendrix’s innovative style of combining fuzz, feedback and controlled distortion created a new musical form. Because he was unable to read or write music, it is nothing short of remarkable that Jimi Hendrix’s meteoric rise in the music took place in just four short years. His musical language continues to influence a host of modern musicians, from George Clinton to Miles Davis, and Steve Vai to Jonny Lang.

Jimi Hendrix, born Johnny Allen Hendrix at 10:15 a.m. on November 27, 1942, at Seattle’s King County Hospital, was later renamed James Marshall by his father, James "Al” Hendrix. Young Jimmy (as he was referred to at the time) took an interest in music, drawing influence from virtually every major artist at the time, including B.B. King, Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Buddy Holly, and Robert Johnson. Entirely self-taught, Jimmy’s inability to read music made him concentrate even harder on the music he heard.

Al took notice of Jimmy’s interest in the guitar, recalling, "I used to have Jimmy clean up the bedroom all the time while I was gone, and when I would come home I would find a lot of broom straws around the foot of the bed. I’d say to him, `Well didn’t you sweep up the floor?’ and he’d say, `Oh yeah,’ he did. But I’d find out later that he used to be sitting at the end of the bed there and strumming the broom like he was playing a guitar.” Al found an old one-string ukulele, which he gave to Jimmy to play a huge improvement over the broom.

By the summer of 1958, Al had purchased Jimmy a five-dollar, second-hand acoustic guitar from one of his friends. Shortly thereafter, Jimmy joined his first band, The Velvetones. After a three-month stint with the group, Jimmy left to pursue his own interests. The following summer, Al purchased Jimmy his first electric guitar, a Supro Ozark 1560S; Jimi used it when he joined The Rocking Kings.

In 1961, Jimmy left home to enlist in the United States Army and in November 1962 earned the right to wear the "Screaming Eagles” patch for the paratroop division. While stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, Jimmy formed The King Casuals with bassist Billy Cox. After being discharged due to an injury he received during a parachute jump, Jimmy began working as a session guitarist under the name Jimmy James. By the end of 1965, Jimmy had played with several marquee acts, including Ike and Tina Turner, Sam Cooke, the Isley Brothers, and Little Richard. Jimmy parted ways with Little Richard to form his own band, Jimmy James and the Blue Flames, shedding the role of back-line guitarist for the spotlight of lead guitar.

Throughout the latter half of 1965, and into the first part of 1966, Jimmy played the rounds of smaller venues throughout Greenwich Village, catching up with Animals’ bassist Chas Chandler during a July performance at Caf‚ Wha? Chandler was impressed with Jimmy’s performance and returned again in September 1966 to sign Hendrix to an agreement that would have him move to London to form a new band.

Switching gears from bass player to manager, Chandler’s first task was to change Hendrix’s name to "Jimi.” Featuring drummer Mitch Mitchell and bassist Noel Redding, the newly formed Jimi Hendrix Experience quickly became the talk of London in the fall of 1966.

The Experience’s first single, "Hey Joe,” spent ten weeks on the UK charts, topping out at spot No. 6 in early 1967. The debut single was quickly followed by the release of a full-length album Are You Experienced, a psychedelic musical compilation featuring anthems of a generation. Are You Experienced has remained one of the most popular rock albums of all time, featuring tracks like "Purple Haze,” "The Wind Cries Mary,” "Foxey Lady,” "Fire,” and "Are You Experienced?”

Although Hendrix experienced overwhelming success in Britain, it wasn’t until he returned to America in June 1967 that he ignited the crowd at the Monterey International Pop Festival with his incendiary performance of "Wild Thing.” Literally overnight, The Jimi Hendrix Experience became one of most popular and highest grossing touring acts in the world.

Hendrix followed Are You Experienced with Axis: Bold As Love. By 1968, Hendrix had taken greater control over the direction of his music; he spent considerable time working the consoles in the studio, with each turn of a knob or flick of the switch bringing clarity to his vision.

Back in America, Jimi Hendrix built his own recording studio, Electric Lady Studios in New York City. The name of this project became the basis for his most demanding musical release, a two LP collection, Electric Ladyland. Throughout 1968, the demands of touring and studio work took its toll on the group and in 1969 the Experience disbanded.

The summer of 1969 brought emotional and musical growth to Jimi Hendrix. In playing the Woodstock Music & Art Fair in August 1969, Jimi joined forces with an eclectic ensemble called Gypsy Sun & Rainbows featuring Jimi Hendrix, Mitch Mitchell, Billy Cox, Juma Sultan, and Jerry Velez. The Woodstock performance was highlighted by the renegade version of "Star Spangled Banner,” which brought the mud-soaked audience to a frenzy.

Nineteen sixty-nine also brought about a new and defining collaboration featuring Jimi Hendrix on guitar, bassist Billy Cox and Electric Flag drummer Buddy Miles. Performing as the Band of Gypsys, this trio launched a series of four New Year’s performances on December 31, 1969 and January 1, 1970. Highlights from these performances were compiled and later released on the quintessential Band of Gypsys album in mid-1970 and the expanded Hendrix: Live At The Fillmore East in 1999.

As 1970 progressed, Jimi brought back drummer Mitch Mitchell to the group and together with Billy Cox on bass, this new trio once again formed The Jimi Hendrix Experience. In the studio, the group recorded several tracks for another two LP set, tentatively titled First Rays Of The New Rising Sun. Unfortunately, Hendrix was unable to see this musical vision through to completion due to his hectic worldwide touring schedules, then tragic death on September 18, 1970. Fortunately, the recordings Hendrix slated for release on the album were finally issued through the support of his family and original studio engineer Eddie Kramer on the 1997 release First Rays Of The New Rising Sun.

From demo recordings to finished masters, Jimi Hendrix generated an amazing collection of songs over the course of his short career. The music of Jimi Hendrix embraced the influences of blues, ballads, rock, R&B, and jazz a collection of styles that continue to make Hendrix one of the most popular figures in the history of rock music.

The Earth Blues

09-18-09, 11:21 AM

I've said it a hundred times but I love Jimi. This day is tough for me, but also very happy to know that even 39 years after his death that people still love his music and respect him as an artist and a human being. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that a musician would have such a profound effect on my life, until I luckily came across Jimi Hendrix.

All morning long I have been listening to Jimi Hendrix on my iPod...(I do that everyday...but today it's just Jimi...), with my sneakers blasting, and I have my Hendrix shirt on, and will be paying tribute by probably doing a youtube video dedicated to him.

But that isn't really enough, still. Though for him I know it'd be too much.

Anyways rest in peace Jimi!!! Your music will live forever.

stplsd

09-18-09, 11:49 AM

EH need their arse kicked for this badly written, innacurate rubbish.

The World's Greatest Guitarist <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>
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This should read electric guitarist, and the word arguably should be part of the statement.<o:p></o:p>
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Hendrix’s innovative style of combining fuzz, feedback and controlled distortion created a new musical form.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
This had already been started separately by several other guitarists<o:p></o:p>
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Because he was unable to read or write music, it is nothing short of remarkable that Jimi Hendrix’s meteoric rise in the music took place in just four short years. <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Inability to read music has nothing to do with this. His “meteoric” rise took place over two years.<o:p></o:p>
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Young Jimmy (as he was referred to at the time) <o:p></o:p>
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He was reffered to as "Buster" or just plain Jimmy at this time.<o:p></o:p>
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took an interest in music, drawing influence from virtually every major artist at the time, including B.B. King, Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Buddy Holly, and Robert Johnson. Entirely self-taught, Jimmy’s inability to read music made him concentrate even harder on the music he heard. <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Most of his early influence would appear to have been R&B/rock n roll/pop at this time with just a little blues/jazz. There is no evidence that Jimi was influenced by Robert Johnson at this time, or Buddy Holly - ever.<o:p></o:p>
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Jimi may have been "self taught" but "entirely"? <o:p></o:p>
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Al found an old one-string ukulele, which he gave to Jimmy to play a huge improvement over the broom. <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Al found a ukele that had only one string left on it, that's a bit different from a "one-string ukele" (never heard of this instrument before). He got the other three strings so he could play on it.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>

Jimmy joined his first band, The Velvetones. After a three-month stint with the group, Jimmy left to pursue his own interests. <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
The Velvetones and rocking kings played around the same time and theree was no apparent gap between Jimi playing with either.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>

In 1961, Jimmy left home to enlist in the United States Army and in November 1962 earned the right to wear the "Screaming Eagles” patch for the paratroop division. While stationed at <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:place><st1:City>Fort Campbell</st1:City>, <st1:State>Kentucky</st1:State></st1:place>, Jimmy formed The King Casuals with bassist Billy Cox. <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
The band was called the Casuals at this time. they only added the "KIng" bit in <st1:City><st1:place>Nashville</st1:place></st1:City> as there was a band there already called the Casuals.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>

After being discharged due to an injury he received during a parachute jump, <o:p></o:p>
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It has been well established and documented that Jimi was "discharged" (ie kicked out - to his delight) from the army, for his "behavioural problems".<o:p></o:p>
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Jimmy began working as a session guitarist under the name Jimmy James. <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
He played very few sessions at this time, his alias at this time was Maurice James, and he was mainly on the road.<o:p></o:p>
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By the end of 1965, Jimmy had played with several marquee acts<o:p></o:p>
including Ike and Tina Turner, Sam Cooke, the Isley Brothers, and Little Richard. <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
What is a marquee act!? He played concert halls, clubs/roadhouses in R&B/Pop chart acts.<o:p></o:p>
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Jimmy parted ways with Little Richard to form his own band, Jimmy James and the Blue Flames, shedding the role of back-line guitarist for the spotlight of lead guitar. <o:p></o:p>
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Jimi was not the "back-line guitarist" he was the lead guitarist in all these bands. WHen he formed his own band he was the lead singer/guitarist and the band was called simply "The Blue Flame" his alias at this time was Jimmy James, but this was not part of the band title.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>

Throughout the latter half of 1965, and into the first part of 1966, Jimmy played the rounds of smaller venues throughout <st1:place>Greenwich Village</st1:place>, <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
He also played some of the top clubs/discos: Cafe A Go Go, Cheetah and Ondine.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>

catching up with Animals’ bassist Chas Chandler during a July performance at Caf‚ Wha? <st1:City><st1:place>Chandler</st1:place></st1:City> was impressed with Jimmy’s performance and returned again in September 1966 to sign Hendrix to an agreement that would have him move to <st1:City><st1:place>London</st1:place></st1:City> to form a new band. <o:p></o:p>
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What's all this "catching up"? <st1:City><st1:place>Chandler</st1:place></st1:City> was introduced to Jimi by Linda Keith<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>

<st1:City><st1:place>Chandler</st1:place></st1:City>’s first task was to change Hendrix’s name to "Jimi.” Featuring drummer Mitch Mitchell and bassist Noel Redding, the newly formed Jimi Hendrix Experience ,quickly became the talk of <st1:City><st1:place>London</st1:place></st1:City> in the fall of 1966. <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Debateable how/who his name changed to Jimi, but all are agreed it was Mike who christened his band the "Jimi Hendrix Experience" <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>

The Experience’s first single, "Hey Joe,” spent ten weeks on the <st1:country-region><st1:place>UK</st1:place></st1:country-region> charts, topping out at spot No. 6 in early 1967. The debut single was quickly followed by the release of a full-length album Are You Experienced, <o:p></o:p>
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Hey Joe was followed by Purple Haze and Wind Cries Mary. AYE wasn't released until nearly five months after Hey Joe.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>

a psychedelic musical compilation featuring anthems of a generation. Are You Experienced <o:p></o:p>
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AYE wasn't a "psychedelic musical compilation" it had several different types of music on it and was an album. It was only released later as a "compilation" in the <st1:country-region><st1:place>US</st1:place></st1:country-region> & <st1:country-region><st1:place>Canada</st1:place></st1:country-region>. There are no “anthems” on it.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>

Although Hendrix experienced overwhelming success in <st1:country-region><st1:place>Britain</st1:place></st1:country-region>, it wasn’t until he returned to <st1:country-region><st1:place>America</st1:place></st1:country-region> in June 1967 that he ignited the crowd at the Monterey International Pop Festival with his incendiary performance of "Wild Thing.” Literally overnight, The Jimi Hendrix Experience became one of most popular and highest grossing touring acts in the world. <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
His success in the <st1:country-region><st1:place>UK</st1:place></st1:country-region> was substantial, but hardly "overwhelming". I think "stunned" rather than "ignited" the audience at <st1:City><st1:place>Monterey</st1:place></st1:City> would be more accurate.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
The reviews of this concert in the US were decidedly mixed to say the best, some were downright offensive, and his rise was decidedly not "overnight" but was the result of an in depth press campaign, publicity from the Monkees stunt and an intensive tour in February & March of 1968. <o:p></o:p>
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he spent considerable time working the consoles in the studio, with each turn of a knob or flick of the switch bringing clarity to his vision. <o:p></o:p>
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This is just “purple prose” puff. He was the producer<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>

Back in <st1:country-region><st1:place>America</st1:place></st1:country-region>, Jimi Hendrix built his own recording studio<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
This should read: JH & his manager Mike Jeffery built…etc, <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>

Electric Lady Studios in <st1:City><st1:place>New York City</st1:place></st1:City>. The name of this project became the basis for his most demanding musical release, a two LP collection, Electric Ladyland. <o:p></o:p>
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This is back to front, the album title came first<o:p></o:p>
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Throughout 1968, the demands of touring and studio work took its toll on the group and in 1969 the Experience disbanded. <o:p></o:p>
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This is just misleading nonsense.<o:p></o:p>
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The summer of 1969 brought emotional and musical growth to Jimi Hendrix. <o:p></o:p>
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This is subjective and patronising<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>

In playing the Woodstock Music & Art Fair in August 1969, Jimi joined forces with an eclectic ensemble called Gypsy Sun & Rainbows featuring Jimi Hendrix, Mitch Mitchell, Billy Cox, Juma Sultan, and Jerry Velez. <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
He merely added another guitar player and some bongos, hardly “eclectic”. From the stage Jimi announced the band name as being GS&Rs, BOGs and also <st1:place><st1:PlaceName>Sky</st1:PlaceName><st1:PlaceType>Church</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> – take your pick.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>

The <st1:City><st1:place>Woodstock</st1:place></st1:City> performance was highlighted by the renegade version of "Star Spangled Banner,” which brought the mud-soaked audience to a frenzy. <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Whether SSB was the highlight is debateable, it was one of only three tunes released on the original film. Far from being in a “frenzy” (unless you count merely standing up as a “frenzy”) the audience appeared exhausted but dry, not soaked “renegade” is an unjustified comment.<o:p></o:p>
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Nineteen sixty-nine also brought about a new and defining collaboration… this trio launched… the quintessential Band of Gypsys album <o:p></o:p>
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BOGs was another Hendrix led trio, not a “collaboration”, it mererly featured Buddy singing two songs ‘Stop and ‘Them Changes’ a third song We got to… etc. was only performed once over the three sets at the end. <o:p></o:p>
Defining what exactly? <o:p></o:p>
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They weren’t launching anything. It was basically a rehearsal on one night followed by a recording session the next for Chalpin’s (deeply resented) LP, performed under duress.<o:p></o:p>
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What was “quintissential” about it, they only recorded this one LP.<o:p></o:p>
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As 1970 progressed, Jimi brought back drummer Mitch Mitchell to the group and together with Billy Cox on bass, this new trio once again formed The Jimi Hendrix Experience. <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
The spring 1970 JHE tour had been planned and talked about before, during and after the BOG’s/Chalpin LP interruption. Jimi from even before he hired Billy Cox in April 69 spoke several times and showed by his actions that he did not intend to record or play with Noel Redding again, only using him to complete the 69 US “tour”.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>

In the studio, the group recorded several tracks for another two LP set, tentatively titled First Rays Of The New Rising Sun. Unfortunately, Hendrix was unable to see this musical vision through to completion due to his hectic worldwide touring schedules, then tragic death on <st1:date Month="9" Day="18" Year="1970">September 18, 1970</st1:date>. Fortunately, the recordings Hendrix slated for release on the album were finally issued through the support of his family and original studio engineer Eddie Kramer on the 1997 release First Rays Of The New Rising Sun. <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Titles: First Rays Of The New Rising Sun/Shine On Earth, Shine On/ Strate Ahead - take your pick.<o:p></o:p>
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He did not have “hectic worldwide touring schedules” in 1970, he had a series of concerts in the <st1:country-region><st1:place>US</st1:place></st1:country-region> widely spaced over nearly four months followed by a very short tour of <st1:country-region><st1:place>UK</st1:place></st1:country-region>, <st1:country-region><st1:place>Sweden</st1:place></st1:country-region>, Denmark & West Germany. It not being completed was entirely due to his death.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
The 1<SUP>st</SUP> rays LP is only a compilation of remastered tracks previously released on the Cry of Love, <st1:place><st1:PlaceName>Rainbow</st1:PlaceName><st1:PlaceType>Bridge</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> and War Heroes LPs.<o:p></o:p>
Released by Janie (Al Hendrix’ wife’s daughter from a previous relationship who was adopted by Al when she was seven) Al was merely a “sleeping “ partner in their company. This hardly constitutes JHs “family”. <o:p></o:p>
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"Well I'm a million miles away, and at the same time I'm right here in your picture frame"

Keep on groovin' Jimi

Crdx

09-18-09, 03:35 PM

May your spirit be in peace, Jimi.

Jimi_Uchihaeyez

09-18-09, 04:07 PM

Gotta Remember.

Oh, remember the mocking bird, my baby bun
He used to sing for his supper, baby
Yes he used to sing for his supper, babe
He used to sing so sweet
Since my baby left me he aint sang for two long days
Oh, remember the blue-birds and the honey bees,
They used to sing for sunshine
They used to sing for the flowers
They used to sing so sweet
But since my baby left me they aint sang in two long days
Hey pretty baby, come on back to me
Make evry body as happy as can be
So, baby, if youll please come home again you know ill
Kiss you for my supper,
You know Ill kiss you for my dinner, yeah!
But, ah, if you dont come back you know Ill have to
Starve to death
cus I aint had one kiss all day now
Please remember
Youve got to remember
Youve got to remember our love
Come on back, baby, come on back in my arms,
Ill make evrything that better
Come on, baby, hurry up now
Can you hear me calling you back again now?
Come on, baby, stop jiving around, hurry home, hurry home